After seven years in the job, Athletics New Zealand chief executive Scott Newman has announced his resignation.

Newman says he feels the time is right for someone else to take over.

He will finish on March 7 but will continue to "assist the board in their transition to a new chief executive" while also maintaining key projects.

"I have been privileged to have held the role during a period of excellent competitive success, with a strong board and vision, plus increased investment from Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport NZ," Newman said.

"All of this has given us a stable platform to really grow Athletics in New Zealand and set us up for ongoing success in the future."

Athletics NZ board chair Annette Purvis said Newman made a significant contribution to the development of athletics in New Zealand and had been instrumental in driving necessary change.

"We are very sorry to see Scott go," Purvis said.

"He has led the organisation through a critical period of change and the sport is now performing at a much higher level across all facets than when he started.

"Scott has built and maintained excellent relationships throughout the sport and wider sector, to the great benefit of Athletics New Zealand."